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35 Ways to Wear Your Hair Down for Your Wedding

If an updo doesn't feel right for you, get inspired by these stunning hairstyle options.

By
Gabriella Rello Duffy
Gabriella Rello
Gabriella Rello Duffy
Gabby is the senior editorial director for Brides and has been a writer and editor for over ten years.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on June 18, 2024 09:00AM
Bride with Long Wavy Hair in Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress

Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

If you're in the thick of wedding planning, it will come as no surprise to you that there are a lot of decisions to be made for the big day. One that you shouldn't overlook? How you want to wear your hair when you say "I do." Though it may seem like a simple detail—it's just hair, right?—the style you choose will live in for decades in the form of your wedding photos, so it's important that you land on a hairstyle that makes you feel like the very best version of yourself.

For years, updos were the go-to wedding hairstyle, and while they are certainly worth considering, not everyone wants such a formal, coiffed look. If you're the type of bride who wants to let her hair down on the big day, we encourage you to go for it. The experts agree. "Wearing hair down can feel much more comfortable than wearing it up in an unusual style that a bride isn't confident in," explained bridal hair specialist Sheila Raye Stone. "It also gives a nice frame for the face and softens the neck and shoulders."

Meet the Expert

Sheila Raye Stone is a licensed cosmetologist with a specialty in hair and makeup for weddings and events across the US and internationally. She has over 20 years of experience in the industry.

Whether you're thinking about embracing your hair's natural texture, going glam with big curls or waves, or pairing your chosen hairstyle with an accessory, fresh flowers, or a veil, we have all the inspiration you need to find a big-day hairstyle you'll love. Here, we're sharing 35 of our favorite ways to wear your hair down on the wedding day, including straight styles, half-up iterations, and beautiful waves. Consider our favorite looks—and get Stone's expert advice on how to bring these ideas to life—ahead of your hair trial, then discuss your wishlist with your stylist. Arriving to the appointment with a few inspiration pictures is never a bad idea, either.

01 of 35

Classic Hollywood Waves

Bride With Glamorous Side-Part Hair in Strapless Wedding Dress Holding White Bouquet of Roses

Photo by Andre Brown

A timeless wedding (like the one this couple planned in Atlanta) calls for a timeless hairstyle. “I’ve always wanted the classic Hollywood waves for hair, so of course that’s the style I decided on,” the bride said, so she tapped B Flyy Experience to create her dream wedding hairstyle. The look was the perfect complement to her strapless wedding dress, but it's a versatile style that could work with almost any dress cut.

02 of 35

Regal Waves

Bride with Long Wavy Hair in Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress

Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

The buzzword this bride kept in mind when choosing her big-day beauty look for her California wedding? Regal. If you're looking for a royal-worthy hairstyle yourself, take note of her long, flowing waves. They're elegant and elevated without being stuffy.

03 of 35

Cool-Girl Half-Up

Bonnie Wright and Andrew Lococo in wedding attire and sunglasses

Photo by Jamie Street of St Chelle

Half-up hairstyles can feel a little tired, but if you love the convenience of this look (it's a great way to wear your hair down without worrying about it being in your face all night), take note of actress Bonnie Wright's big-day look, which she donned for her California wedding. She tapped Cameron Rains to style her hair in soft curls then pin the front sections back with a vintage hair clip. "I liked the idea my hair could be clipped back into it, so it was clear of my face," Bonnie said. "My hair is naturally so straight, so we added some texture which made it move in the wind beautifully."

04 of 35

Sleek and Straight

beauty shot of bride with blunt bob and three-row tiara headband

Photo by Lynn Duston

There's no denying that romantic curls tend to be among the most popular wedding hairstyles, but that's not your only option. If you love the way your hair looks sleek and straight, embrace that style on your wedding day, just like this chic bride did for her modern, luxurious nuptials in Washington, D.C.. She trusted Shannon Stan ofTaylor & York to style her hair into a blunt bob, then accessorized with a statement-making headband from Eli Peacock.

05 of 35

Relaxed Waves

Bride in White Slip Dress with Soft, Loose Waves Carrying Pink and White Bouquet While Walking with Bridesmaids in Green Gowns

Photo by Jillian Mitchell

Planning a laid-back celebration? A stiff, structured hairstyle likely won't fit the bill. Instead, take notes from this bride's soft, flowing waves, which LosCabosMakeUp created for her floral-heavy wedding in Mexico; this is a stunning, fuss-free option for casual, outdoor nuptials.

06 of 35

Natural Curls

Bride smiling in dress and veil with 3D floral appliquès

Photo by Amy Anaiz

If you have beautiful hair like this bride, why not embrace your natural curls on the big day? Paired with a flowing veil, we love how her hairstyle, expertly arranged by Modimel, playfully complements her whimsical wedding dress.

07 of 35

Shoulder-Skimming Style

Bride Holding Calla Lily Bouquet Outside

Photo by Sasithon Photography

Shoulder-length hair can pose a wedding-day conundrum: Do you add length with extensions and go for something flowy, or should you twist it up into a neat chignon or bun? Ultimately, there's another option: Embrace your hair at the length it is today. For her outdoor wedding in California, the bride tapped Katie Nash to style her lob with ultra-soft waves, giving her hair a little movement without leaving it looking overdone.

08 of 35

Slicked Back and Voluminous

Bride with Wavy Hair and Center Part in Wedding Dress with Sheer Peal-Embellished Top

Photo by Samm Blake of The Wedding Artists Co.

For her industrial New York City wedding, this bride knew she didn't want to be fussing with her hair all night, so she tapped the pros at Willow House Beauty to help her find a solution: They decided that a slicked back hairstyle finished with soft waves was the ultimate solution. “It allowed my hair to be down without ever worrying about it getting in the way of my face," the bride explained. If you have similar concerns about wearing your hair down on the big day, this hairstyle could be the one for you, too.

09 of 35

A Timeless Look

Bride in Long Sleeve Wedding Dress and Long Veil Posing In Front of White Barn Venue

Photo by Samantha Leto

Though this bride and her husband threw a modern barn wedding in Virginia, she wanted her hairstyle to be entirely timeless. The look that delivered that vibe? Soft waves with a classic middle part.

10 of 35

Complementary Curls

Kate Austin and Sarah Sulsenti wedding portrait

Photo by Ashley Rae Photography

For their beautiful wedding in New Jersey, these two brides tapped Alyssa Gallen and the Bella Mi Hair team to create their dream hairstyles. Each bride chose a curly style, and their complementary looks ensured they looked cohesive without being matchy-matchy.

11 of 35

Natural Beauty

bride and groom in floral wedding attire

Photo by Kristin Sweeting Photography

From the floral embroidery on her spectacular lehenga to that serious stack of bangles and delicate henna, this bride's wedding-day ensemble has so many lovely details worth admiring. As a counterpoint, we love that she kept her hair (and makeup) so fresh and relaxed. When choosing your big-day hairstyle, consider how each option you're thinking of plays into your look as a whole.

12 of 35

Side-Swept Curls

Bridal Portrait

Photo by Kristen Lynne Photography

No matter what your hair length or texture, side-swept barrel curls are always a good idea. "Hair down and swept over one shoulder looks nice with a dress that has a lot of detail on the back," Stone explains. "Or, I will sweep the carefully styled hair into a loose bun for the ceremony and then drop it down for the cocktail hour and reception. If doing this, it is very important to use a few very strong pins in strategic areas so the hair isn't too creased when it's taken out."

13 of 35

Pinned Back Face Frame

Bride in Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress with Long Hair Tucked Behind Shoulders

Photo by Liz Andolina Photography

This bride knew her sherbet-colored reception in Vermont would feature lots of dancing, so she wanted a down hairstyle that kept her hair out of her face. The winning look? Soft waves with pinned back pieces around her face, expertly styled by Amanda Hopcraft Collective, which kept the bride's hair back but gave her look plenty of movement.

14 of 35

A Half-Up Look

Bride in Strapless Wedding Dress Kissing Groom in Tuxedo During Wedding Ceremony

Photo by Kelley Williams Photography

Struggling to decide between an updo or wearing your hair down on the wedding day? A half-up look provides the best of both worlds. For her outdoor nuptials on the California coast, this bride trusted Glamology Beauty Lounge to curl her long hair and bring a few sections back. The end result kept the hair from her face but provided the long look she loved.

15 of 35

Romantic Lob

Bride in window with romantic veil

Photo by Kelly Anne Berry

If you're going to wear a veil on the wedding day, think about how it will pair with your chosen hairstyle. For this wedding, Nikki Wright of the Wright Salon styled the bride's shoulder-length hair into soft waves that complemented—not competed with—her lace-embroidered veil.

16 of 35

Signature Waves

Bride With Wavy Hair Weird Long Tulle Veil and Lace Wedding Dress

Photo by Olivia Rae James

Lifestyle blogger Katie Sands knew exactly what she wanted her hair to look like during her vibrant Miami wedding: "After months of thinking I was going to go with a low chignon bun, I decided that I really wanted to feel and look like myself on the day of the actual wedding, so I went with long, loose beachy waves... my signature," she said. Daniela Gozlan expertly styled her hair and arranged it beneath her classic veil.

17 of 35

A Party-Ready Look

Portrait of Wedding Couple

Photo by The Lockharts

Have you been thinking about a mid-party hairstyle switch? Let this bride convince you to go for it. Though she wore her hair in an elegant French twist (as a nod to her late mother) during her wedding ceremony, she had hairstylist Oak n Mane create a soft, wavy look for her French-inspired wedding reception. This is a great option if you're torn between two looks you love.

18 of 35

A Timeless Go-To

Wedding Couple Kissing at Altar

Photo by Elizabeth Warrick

There's no need to reinvent the wheel when choosing your big-day hairstyle. For her black-tie wedding in California, she wanted a timeless, polished take on her go-to hairstyle, and Sara Gutierrez of Dry Bar Sacramento delivered loose curls that the bride described as her "go-to." “Everything I chose, I wanted it to be something I would look back on and still love a decade from now,” she said.

19 of 35

Swept-Back Sophistication

Bridal portrait with embellished cape

Photo by STEPHANIA CAMPOS

Love the finished look of a half-up wedding hairstyle, but also really want to keep things loose and voluminous? One ever-so-slightly more undone option is to forgo a part and have your stylist comb back the hair instead, which is exactly what Nikki Garcia did for this stunning bride. "You want to start the volume in the middle of the top of the head to create a nice round profile that has a subtly enhanced shape that complements the bride's cheekbones," says Stone. Place your veil in the center to give the illusion of a half-up style.

20 of 35

Modern Hollywood Waves

Bride in Strapless Wedding Dress Looking at Back of Groom in Black Tuxedo Outside

Photo by Catherine Guidry

Struggling to find your perfect wedding-day hairstyle? You're not alone. This bride, who tied the knot during a stunning black-tie wedding in New Orleans, had three trials with Beth Washington before deciding on her Hollywood waves. "I was very torn between doing a bun or leaving my hair down, but ultimately decided to have it down because it felt more me. ! loved the idea of classic Hollywood waves, but with a middle part to modernize the look. The classic Hollywood waves felt like the perfect way to have my hair down but give the look a more special feel," she said.

21 of 35

A Stunning Center Part

Bride with center part and curls in front of desert backdrop

Photo by The Foxes Photography

Big, voluminous waves—like this bride's look styled by Ty Hair—are a timeless wedding hairstyle option, but they make a major statement all the same. Looking to grow out your own hair to create the same look? "A good haircut is essential about two weeks prior to the date if you really trust your stylist not to cut off too much—if you don't, then cut it six weeks in advance," advised Stone. "If you have really long hair with a bit of damage, I recommend cutting three to four inches about six months in advance, so it has time to grow back healthier."

22 of 35

A Balanced Look

Bride With Long, Soft Wavy Hair in Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress

Photo by Shannon Moffit

While you should absolutely consider your personal preferences when choosing your big-day hairstyle, it's also smart to think about what will work best with your wedding dress silhouette. For her Virginia wedding in May, the bride said hairstylist Shannon Rae Smith created loose waves “to add some contrast and to balance out the negative space from my dress." Though she loved the final look, she admitted that had she realized how hot and windy the big day would be, should would have gone with an updo.

23 of 35

Loose, Flowing Curls

Bride With Long Wavy Hair Wearing Floral Wedding Dress Holding Wrapped Bouquet While Sitting on Floral Couch

Photo by David Bastianoni

Mom knows best! This bride tapped her own mother to style her hair in loose curls for her wedding in the Italian countryside, as she wanted a natural, effortless big-day hairstyle. If you have a pro-level hairstylist in your inner circle (or a mother who is particularly good with a curling iron), consider asking them to be part of your wedding glam team.

24 of 35

Soft, Flowing Waves

Bride With Softly Waved Hair Wearing Long Veil Holding White and Green Bouquet with Roses and Anemones

Photo by Alice Ahn Photography

Tying the knot outside? A soft hairstyle with plenty of movement is basically a prerequisite. For her Napa, California, wedding, this bride paired flowing waves styled by Nikki Notarte Artistry with a cathedral-length veil.

25 of 35

Extra Length

Groom holding hands with bride wearing lace wedding dress with slicked back long hair

Photo by Lev Kuperman

If you're planning on wearing your hair down on your big day, why not go all out? At this moody New York City, the bride added extra length to her hair with extensions and asked Christopher Marrero to style her hair down in waves with a slicked-back middle part.

26 of 35

Beautiful Barrel Curls

Bride With Long, Glamorous Wavy Hair Wearing Strapless Trumpet Wedding Dress

Photo by Glorianna Chan

When this stunning bride got ready for her fall wedding in Atlanta, she prioritized a beauty look that was a more elevated take on her go-to styles. “I wanted to look beautiful but like myself, and I did want a look that was classic,” she said. To make that dream a reality, Glam by Maame styled her long hair into glamorous barrel curls that cascaded down her back.

27 of 35

Floral Half-Up, Half-Down

Floral adorned half-up, half-down style

Photo by Ashley Sawtelle

One step up from a completely unadorned, all-down wedding hairstyle is this fresh and pretty look. Finished with easy waves and a delicate botanical arrangement, the style is a simple one to recreate. Pinned at the back of the head, it does double-duty to also keep those pieces of hair in place and out of the way for the day.

28 of 35

Natural Beauty

Bride With Long, Wavy Hair Wearing a Gown and Veil Getting Ready for Wedding With Mother and Bridesmaids

Photo by Niki Marie Photography

For her glamorous Chicago wedding, this bride wanted a beauty look that made her feel like the best version of herself. “From the makeup to the hairstyle and every detail in between, the emphasis was on enhancing my natural features while staying true to my identity,” she said. That translated to soft, loose waves that flowed beautifully under her veil.

29 of 35

Retro Curls

Bride with Curly Blonde Hair in Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress

Photo by Move Mountains Co

Planning a wedding with a very specific theme? It's nice to have your beauty look speak to it, too. For her retro-inspired wedding in Palm Springs, the bride tapped Pretty Wife Beauty to coif her long hair into 1950s-style curls complete with a deep side part. Though this glamorous hairstyle works for any style event, it was especially fitting in this context.

30 of 35

Dramatic Side Part

Bride with glam curls putting on earrings

Photo by Lisa Poggi

One easy way to change up your everyday hairstyle so that it's wedding-worthy? Play around with how you part your hair, like this bride did courtesy of  Styles by Omar. A deep side-part paired with soft curls instantly takes any hairstyle to the next level and makes it feel that much more dramatic.

31 of 35

Shoulder-Length Twists

Alli's romantic pink and white bouquet with pink lipstick and wavy hairstyle

Photo by Max Wanger

As the co-founder of Drybar, it's no surprise that Alli Webb would have great big day hair. For her family-focused California wedding, she tasked Carlos Acastellanos with creating a wedding-ready version of her go-to hairstyle, and he delivered with this shoulder-length look. "Because my dress had big poofy sleeves, I wanted my hair to softly fall on my shoulders," the bride said. "I had considered hair extensions, but I decided that I wanted to be natural. I’m very proud of my hair and how much it's grown. I wanted something soft and romantic with big curls—a version of how I normally wear my hair. I think it’s important for brides to still feel like themselves—but like a really fancy version."

32 of 35

Well Acessorized

Bride and mom holding hands

Photo by Larissa Cleveland Photography

A statement hair accessory, like the sparkly hairpiece adorned with tiny flowers and crystals Patty Perez added to this bride's curled hair, is a great way to take any hairstyle to the next level. "If accessories are used, I recommend purchasing ones with a metal comb—not plastic—and one that isn't too heavy for your hair type," Stone noted. "Accessories on alligator clips that aren't too heavy are also nice and don't slip out."

33 of 35

Sleek Style

Newlyweds and vintage car

Photo by Gianny Campos

We love the casual elegance of this bride's sleek hairstyle, which starts with a middle part and finishes with just a bit of texture worked into the ends. It's the perfect blank canvas, so to speak, to showcase the intricate gown, which is simply stunning in its own right. "With the chin-length bob in style this season, I'm seeing more sleek styles that are flat-ironed for extra shine and very blunt ends, tucked behind the ears," Stone explained. "Even with longer hair, straight sleek styles with tucked fronts, volume on the crown, and loose waves that start below the ears is popular."

34 of 35

Cool-Girl Crinkle

bride with bouquet in vintage dress

Photo by HEATHER KINCAID

We love the easy elegance of this bride's wedding beauty look—from her soft shoulder-length waves coiffed by Robyn Sweeney (which prove you absolutely don't have to grow your hair out for your wedding if you don't want to) to her barely there makeup. For a similarly unfussy look, Stone said to ask your hairstylist to use a limited amount of product, as the key here is to keep it moveable and not too stiff.

35 of 35

Elevated Everyday Look

bride portrait at industrial Brooklyn venue

Photo by Chaz Cruz

While you might feel pressured to choose a special, statement-making hairstyle on your wedding day, know that there's nothing wrong with sporting your everyday look if you want to. For her wedding, this bride tapped Christine Ku of Zoku Salon to recreate her go-to hairstyle for a very relatable reason: “I decided to wear my hair down, like I do every day, to feel more like myself,” she explained.

FAQ
  • What type of wedding dresses work best for wearing your hair down?

    How you wear your hair on the big day is largely a matter of preference, with no right or wrong answer. If you typically wear your hair down, it may feel more like "you" to do the same on your wedding day. Hair-down looks work great with strapless gowns or spaghetti straps. If your dress has a detailed back or a high neck, you may want to consider an updo or a half-up, half-down style. Be sure your stylist knows what your dress looks like, and they can help you find a hairstyle that works from all angles.

  • How do I secure a veil if I wear my hair down?

    Choosing to wear your hair down doesn't mean you have to forgo a veil. While updos provide the most grip, many veils have combs attached that can easily hook into the hair. Bobby pins and a bit of backcombing can provide some assistance. You can also wear a veil draped over the head, allowing it to freely cascade over the hair for an ethereal effect.

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